Kim Jong Un Calls for Increased Military Exercises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the activation of "practical military exercises" during his visit to the main base of the Korean People's Army, according to KCNA.

“He has raised political objectives to conduct more intense and practical drills to ensure victory in war,” the agency's statement says.

It is noted that Kim Jong Un ordered the military to strengthen exercises to improve combat readiness to deter enemies with "overwhelming force," to "consistently disrupt any slightest attempts to start a war, and to accurately carry out assigned critical tasks."

During his visit to the base in the western region of the country, Kim Jong Un inspected educational institutions and monitored military unit drills.

His remarks come as South Korea and the United States conduct large-scale joint military exercises called “Freedom Shield,” which will last for 11 days. North Korea has already condemned these exercises, claiming that Seoul and Washington are "creating a military threat and attempting to invade a sovereign state." Pyongyang has called for an immediate halt to what it describes as "provocative and destabilizing actions.”

“The armed forces of the DPRK will continue to monitor the reckless actions of the enemies and will continue responsible military operations to firmly control the unstable situation in security on the Korean Peninsula,” Pyongyang stated.